Last Tuesday on our mother/daughter night we had a wonderful barbecued meal from start to finish starting with Grilled Flatbread with Ricotta and Tomatoes . It continued with Grilled Lamb Chops with Tzatziki , Minted New Potato Salad and Grilled Asparagus with Lemon & Chive Dressing (neither of which has been posted as yet). In keeping with the whole barbecue theme I also barbecued fresh pineapple slices with a little rum and maple syrup and topped it off with lemon sorbetto.This light barbecued dessert left me with leftover pineapple. So what do I do with leftover pineapple? Make smoothies!!!!!!!!!!!!
During the week breakfast is often a quick and rushed affair. This smoothie is not only packed with vitamins and minerals but gives me a trip to the tropics while I am getting ready for work. A bonus is it is packed with flavours and I can take my virtual trip to Jamaica "mon". Do they grow pineapples in Jamaica? Too early in the morning to think about it!
For anyone out there reading my little blog I must let you know that my posting for the summer will be more scattered, meaning just not as regular as it has been. I will attempt to post whenever I can or include simple, but tasty treats such as this. Why you ask?
You may be interested to know that my life has moved in a totally different direction, at least for the summer. As many of you know I have worked in a respirology and allergy health clinic for the past 11 years. I loved my job for many reasons but the people I worked with made all the difference in wanting to make this my life calling. Well... our doctor retired, life changes and you have the need to move on. When life hands you lemons you make lemonade or in this case Pina Colada Smoothies....wink...wink...
For the summer I have taken on a job that is very far removed from anything I have ever done. I have worked in offices since the beginning of time... my entire working career. I will be working at a camp for mentally challenged children sponsored by the Lions Clubs of British Columbia as a camp cook!!!! Yes me!!!! We have 40 counsellors and their youthfulness and endless spirit and enthusiasm is so contagious. It is like being a kid again and back at camp with songs, and games and plenty of laughter...and of course camp food..but... since we are in charge excellent camp food!!! The head cook is a baker so makes wonderful desserts ( I hope to stay away from those as much as possible....but who am I kidding!!!!) The moral of this story is that I will be eating 3 meals a day at camp so very little cooking will be taking place at home except on Mother /Daughter Tuesdays. The camp is 15 minutes from my home which is also an added bonus. I do have days off as well so I won't totally abandon you. I also have a few unposted posts that may give you an insight into what keeps me occupied.
I am so looking forward to the summer. It will be challenging working so many hours but I see the prospect as exciting too!!! I will be meeting so many sunny faces in these children who are so full of life and innocence of nature. So....I bid you adieu....I am off to work today cooking breakfast, lunch, dinner and 2 snacks a day for..... 100. Bon chance!!!!
**Pina Colada Smoothie**
1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
1 banana
1/4 cup ice cubes
2 tsp honey, optional
Pineapple wedges, for garnish
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In a blender, combine the pineapple chunks, coconut milk, banana, ice and, if desired, honey. Puree until smooth. Pour into 2 large glasses. Garnish each serving with a pineapple wedge.
